Tag: hawthorn

Hawthorn for your heart! If you have high blood pressure, this is the herb for you. Actually, hawthorn is the best thing ever for your heart. Some years ago I was having some symptoms of heart attack. So, as we should do, I went to the local ER. They eased my symptoms, thankfully it was not a heart attack. Then they referred me to a cardiologist just as a precaution.

I did the follow-up visits with the cardiologist. Had stress tests and echocardiograms and was, at one point, put on three different blood pressure medicines. At this point, I knew I had to do something besides go along with the status quo. Through all the testing, they decided that there really wasn’t anything so wrong with my heart. Except for a slow heartbeat and could possibly one day have to have a pacemaker. Not looking forward to that at all.

I began to research natural methods of bringing blood pressure under control. I thought that was a good place to start.

This herb is completely safe. So, if you love the taste, rest assured you cannot overdose on it. Hawthorn is especially good for aging hearts, hearts with an irregular heartbeat, hypertension, those who are recovering from heart surgery, and well, any type of heart issue.

INFUSION: I prefer to take hawthorn as an infusion. (To find out how to make an infusion, click here ) You may try the powdered form or a tincture.

COLOR: Once the infusion is complete, hawthorn has a medium golden color. Much like a weak black tea.

TASTE: The taste is mild, again, much like a weak black tea. If you would like to sweeten it, use honey or stevia.

DOSAGE: 4 ounces of hawthorn infusion 2 times per day. In the morning and in the evening.

If you prefer to use a tincture and want to make your own, consider using the haws or berries. You can find instructions on making tinctures here .

Hawthorn takes some time to work its magic. If you are primarily using it to regulate your blood pressure, expect it to show lasting results in about 3 months. Hawthorn is not fast but it is enduring. The is undoubtedly the very best herb for heart health.

The German Commission E, a group of scientists that determines the effectiveness of herbal medicines, recommends hawthorn for:

Cardiac insufficiency (weak heart)

Pressure and tightness in the chest

Aging hearts

To increase circulation

Arrhythmia

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

Well, there aren’t any. If you are currently taking medication for hypertension, you can still use Hawthorn. It will not cause your blood pressure to drop too low. After a few months, you will probably be able to wean off of the blood pressure medicine. There is no danger of overdose on Hawthorn. Since it is not a diuretic nor does it block calcium channels, Hawthorn is a safe way to lower blood pressure in those who have kidney disease or are diabetic.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor nor do I diagnose disease. Please contact your personal healthcare practitioner before trying any herbal remedy.